Akwa Ibom Confirms Readiness for Niger Delta Sports Festival
TheAkwa Ibom State Government has assured its readiness to host the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, scheduled to take place from April 1 to 8, 2025, in Uyo.
Governor Umo Eno gave the assurance on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), led by its Managing Director, Dr. Sam Ogbuku. The delegation included the Executive Director, Sector Directors, and the Project Consultants, Dunamis Icon, who briefed the governor on the festival’s objectives and plans for its successful execution.
Algiers, ALGERIA: Nigeria’s Amadi Chinazou performs to win the bronze medal 21 July 2007 in the Women’s Long Jump final at the 9th All-African-Games 2007 in Algiers. Deprived of international competition for 15 years due to the threat of Islamic terrorism, Algeria is primed and ready to host the ninth edition of the All-African Games, from 11 to 23 July 2007. AFP PHOTO / FAYEZ NURELDINE (Photo credit should read FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)
Gov Umo Eno: “Akwa Ibom Will Deliver a Successful Festival”
Governor Umo Eno expressed gratitude to the NDDC for selecting Akwa Ibom as the host state, emphasizing that the festival will enhance regional unity and boost the local economy.
*“We thank you for the privilege to host. Your visit shows your seriousness, and there is no way we will reject it. The festival will promote unity in our diversity and also help the local economy through the various commercial activities—hotels, food, transportation, and more.
We will set up a small committee to work with you to deliver the event. We look forward to welcoming the Niger Delta, and together, we will have a good time.”* – Gov Umo Eno
TOPSHOT – A Nigerian fan waves green and white flags to encourage Nigerian wrestlers competing in the 8th All African Games in Abuja, 08 October 2003. AFP PHOTO/PIUS UTOMI EKPEI (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP) (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP via Getty Images)
The governor also highlighted the state’s sports infrastructure, commending past administrations for their contributions, particularly the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, built during the tenure of the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“These facilities have come through the combination of works done by each administration. The Godswill Akpabio Stadium has stood the test of time, and it takes great efforts to maintain it.”
NDDC: “Festival to Boost Talent Discovery and Sports Development”
In his address, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, stated that the Niger Delta Sports Festival aims to: ✅ Foster regional integration ✅ Position the region as a leader in Nigerian sports ✅ Identify and nurture young sporting talents ✅ Support states in harnessing athletes for national and international competitions
*“The Niger Delta is a leading sports hub in Nigeria. The region has produced great sports legends, but if we do not sustain this momentum, there will be a decline.
As we mark the 25th anniversary of the NDDC, we are expanding our interventions to include sports. We have met with sports commissioners from the nine states, and they are excited about the festival.”* – Dr. Sam Ogbuku
The NDDC selected Akwa Ibom after confirming that the state possesses the necessary sports facilities for the event. The Godswill Akpabio Stadium will serve as the main venue, with minor upgrades planned for some facilities.
Nigeria’s team are pictured after they won during the Women’s 4x100m Relay at the 12th edition of the “African Games” on August 28, 2019 in Rabat. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP) (Photo credit should read FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images)
Niger Delta Sports Festival: Event Details & Selection Process
📅 Date: April 1 – 8, 2025
📍 Host City: Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
🏟️ Main Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
🌍 Participating States: The nine Niger Delta states
🛠️ Selection Process:
Trials will be conducted at the local government level
Athletes will be selected from the 85 federal constituencies in the region
Final teams will be formed for state representation
Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan reacts after winning during the Women’s 100m Hurdles Final at the 12th edition of the “African Games” on August 28, 2019 in Rabat. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP) (Photo credit should read FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images)
The Niger Delta Sports Festival 2025 promises to be a landmark event that will unite the region, boost economic activities, and promote sports development. With Akwa Ibom stepping up as host, stakeholders are optimistic about a successful maiden edition.
📢 Stay tuned for more updates on the festival’s schedule, featured sports, and team selections!
